Industry News

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) announced that more than 1,600 first responders have successfully completed the All-Hazards Type III Communications Unit Leader (COML) training course, a program designed to improve multi- jurisdictional coordination among first responders for events ranging from the presidential inauguration to natural disasters.

The emergency response community identified the need for COML training and, with DHS support, helped to create this formal training program by building on the successful wildfire scenario model. As part of the National Emergency Communications Plan, OEC offered 66 COML training courses nationwide to help public safety professionals more effectively lead and coordinate communications during emergencies and large-scale events.

Cisco steps into wireless video

Cisco’s media-ready WLAN strategy is based on three pillars: bandwidth, scale and quality. The new VideoStream technology will ensure Wi-Fi networks are scalable and will provide quality of service to support end-to-end high-definition video. Meanwhile, its 802.11n solution is well timed as it provides the higher bandwidth required. The VideoStream technology includes a set of features to provide improved resource control, support for scalable multicasting and prioritization of different types of video stream, which will allow customers to define what videos should have reserved resources across the networks.

The complete proposition is backed by Cisco Advanced Services, and includes network planning, design, deployment and support. Cisco expects most of the initial applications to provide premise-based mobility rather than supporting users on the move. The 802.11n standard requires more power than the 802.11g. This, combined with the high processing capacity required for HD video, will increase the strain on the batteries of dual-mode smartphones, which are already struggling to cope with existing Wi-Fi requirements. As a result, most early applications will be based on laptops, cordless desk phones and video signage, rather than on handsets.

IP Systems International LLC’s RDAC® (Rapid Dynamic Analytical Capability) Software Suite is a high-speed analytical platform that automatically analyzes geospatial data to provide an array of capabilities for training, planning, assessment, operations and response. RDAC is capable of processing data from multiple data sets, including geospatial data points of information, to build probable scenarios around natural disasters before they occur. RDAC can manipulate that same data and new data to provide an intuitive overview of market penetration for businesses looking to expand into new locations where the demographic outlook matches their target audiences.

RDAC is interoperable with any system following Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards, meaning it can interpret data from other databases and programs with very little manual translation. The software is stand-alone and Web-based, so it can be accessed from anywhere in the world. The RDAC Software Suite integrates live, virtual and constructive capabilities into a single, synthetic and collaborative environment to provide disaster damage predictions.

DataFetch announces wireless scanner/display product

DataFetch Corp.’s Scan and See wireless scanner/display product is a handheld device that gives law enforcement officers the ability to quickly scan a driver’s license barcode information and receive status information in seconds while at the driver’s door, without having to return to the patrol car and manually type the information into the patrol car computer/MDT.

In addition to input barcode scanning, an integral backlit LCD display on the device clearly indicates various status codes of the scanned license as returned from the patrol car computer, including: License Active/Expired/Suspended/ Revoked, Outstanding Warrant (felony or misdemeanor), Stolen Vehicle, Stolen Plate and battery level and communication connect states. The DataFetch Scan and See connects to any Windows-based computer via the CJIS (Criminal Justice Information System) protocol utilizing the included software interface.

The Brooklyn Park, MN Police Department has signed a contract to license New World Systems®’ Aegis/MSP® Public Safety Solution on the Microsoft® platform within the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. The City of Brooklyn Park currently uses New World Systems’ Logos.NET™ Public Administration software. New World will provide the Police Department with Aegis/MSP Records Management, Mobile Computing and Field-Based Reporting software developed in-house using proven Microsoft technology, industry-standard Windows® Server and SQL® Server.

New World’s advanced Data Analysis & Mapping capabilities will help the Brooklyn Park Police better analyze high crime or problem areas. It is anticipated that New World’s Mobile solution will also reduce data entry for officers and records staff through streamlined workflow and electronic approvals, and will even alleviate some extended shifts and costs related to officer overtime. New World will also provide real-time interoperability for Brooklyn Park Police to improve data sharing with Hennepin County.

County safeguards public IT systems with Vision Solutions®’ technology

Vision Solutions®, a solutions provider for IBM Power Systems, announced Skagit County Government in Mount Vernon, WA safeguards its public safety systems with Vision Solutions’ EchoStream and EchoCluster high availability and disaster recovery technology.

Mainline Information Systems, an award-winning information technology supplier, suggested Vision Solutions’ replication and clustering technologies for AIX—a fundamental reason the county switched to the AIX operating system and IBM hardware. Skagit County relies on EchoStream’s RightTime CDP true continuous data protection to deliver nearly instantaneous recovery of applications and data at the push of a button. Unlike traditional backup solutions, EchoStream enables the recovery of data from any point in time, easily and rapidly.

Panasonic introduces new Toughbooks®

Panasonic Computer Solutions Company introduced the Panasonic Toughbook® H1 Field and the Toughbook® C1. The Toughbook H1 Field is certified to meet IP65 and MIL-STD-810G, with a 6-foot drop rating. Also available is an optional SmartCard, an RFID, barcode readers, a camera, GPS and Qualcomm’s new Gobi2000™ mobile broadband technology.

By leveraging Panasonic’s advanced battery technology and a 1.86 GHz Intel® Atom™ processor, the Toughbook H1 Field offers six hours of battery life, complemented by twin hot-swappable batteries that allow for limitless use. The Toughbook H1 Field includes a 500-nit, 10.4-inch dual-touch display that offers both tablet and touchscreen functionality. The display also includes a circular polarizer, plus anti-glare and anti-reflective screen treatments. Weighing 3.4 pounds, this mobile computing platform features 2GB of RAM and a 64GB reinforced flex-connect solid state drive.

The Toughbook C1 delivers up to 10 hours of battery life, a 30-inch to base drop rating and optional Gobi2000 mobile broadband. Also, it is powered by the Intel Core™ i5 520M vPro™ processor. The Toughbook C1 also supports multi-touch and digitizers, allowing the input of text/data through the use of a finger, gesture or an electronic stylus pen for handwriting recognition and greater precision. The Toughbook C1 also features a shock-mounted, flex-connect 250GB hard drive with a quick-release feature that allows for enhanced data protection.

The TK-5410 and TK-5910 are the newest P25 compatible radios introduced by Kenwood specifically for public safety agencies operating in the 700/800 MHz bands. Both are P25 compatible and incorporate increased memory for future software upgrades and AMBE+2™ enhanced full rate CODEC voice digitization technology with improved FEC and noise reduction. The portables operate in P25 conventional, trunking and analog conventional modes. The 3W portable has 100 zones, 1024 channels and is Mil-Std 810 C/D/E/F as well as IP 54/55 Water and Dust Protection rated, with an IS certification option. The TK-5910 mobile comes in several mounting and front panel configurations and meets Mil-Std 810 512.X for driven rain.

Napatech enables monitoring of mobile data networks

Napatech announced the release of essential technology for detailed monitoring and troubleshooting of IP-based mobile data networks. Napatech has recently added key features to its widely deployed intelligent real-time network analysis adapters to support mobile data networks. These include full and comprehensive support for IPv6 including relevant extension header, a requirement for LTE, which will require an IPv6 address in each handheld device. Napatech has also included support for automatic recognition of key tunneling protocols used in mobile data networks, such as SCTP, GRE and GTP. This allows intelligent flow definition based on which tunneling protocol is being used. It also allows these flows to be intelligently distributed to multiple CPUs allowing parallel processing of mobile data.

HSFA releases national terrorism and crime prevention database

The Homeland Security Foundation of America (HSFA) announced the launch of its RubyWATCH system, to help law enforcement and security practitioners prevent loss of life and property from terrorist attacks and routine crime. RubyWATCH is Web-based and built on technology developed for HSFA’s project STAN or Strategic Terrorism Analysis Network, which uses artificial intelligence to simulate patterns of behavior and tactics of terrorists.

RubyWATCH restricts all tipsters’ input to non-sensitive data. Authorized agencies have encrypted access to a secure console, which allows them to generate custom reports on demand. The system accepts nearly any combination of search parameters, including the date a tip was submitted, descriptions of persons and vehicles, behaviors, location types, names and more. Reports can be saved for future one-click viewing, and there’s also a Google-style keyword search. In addition, authorities can post bulletins that direct tips to a specific investigation, property or person of interest.

Unisys to provide biometric solution to government of Mexico

Unisys announced that its Mexican subsidiary has been awarded a contract by the Secretaria de Gobernación/Registro Nacional de Población (Mexican Ministry of Internal Affairs/National Citizen Registry) to create and manage an advanced citizen identification solution using biometric technologies. The project would create a database with iris, fingerprint and facial biometric data on up to 110 million Mexican citizens that would be utilized as part of the Mexican government’s larger national ID card project.

The contract was awarded to a consortium comprised of Unisys and Mexican communications company AXTEL. Unisys will integrate the solution, provide the IT infrastructure, and manage the data center hosting the solution. AXTEL will provide communications services as well as the data center facility and the service operations center. The Unisys solution will be based on the proven Unisys LEIDA (Library of eID Artifacts software) framework, which creates building blocks for identity and credentialing solutions to accelerate development and reduce implementation time.

Zetron® console connects Louisiana PSAP to state’s P25 system

The Jackson Parish 9-1-1 communication center, in Jonesboro, LA, went live with its new installation of Zetron®’s Series 4000 Communication Control System. The new dispatch system not only employs an EF Johnson radio to enhance interoperability among different radio types, but also ties into Louisiana’s Project 25 (P25) system. Zetron reseller, Mid-State Communication Services, helped obtain and implement the system.

3Cinteractive partners with A Child Is Missing™

3Cinteractive announced it has partnered with A Child is Missing (ACIM) to expand their traditional telephone calling program to include text messages. A Child is Missing Alert Program is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), organization that assists law enforcement in the early stage search and recovery of missing children, the elderly (often with Alzheimer’s), college students and the disabled.

Today, the alert phone calls are made to the geographic area the person was last seen in by use of a satellite mapping program and the area’s zip code. The 3Ci mobile messaging platform will supplement the existing phone calls by sending geographically targeted text messages to cell phones in the area a missing person was last seen. The 3Ci platform can support up to 48,000 outbound text messages per minute. This additional capacity, along with the 1,000 phone calls per minute that are currently sent out to alert citizens of a missing person, provide greater coverage for the program.

911-Inc. announced their next generation software, QuickResponse™, has been demonstrated with the Intrado® Intelligent Emergency Network, leveraging the Request For Assistance Interface (RFAI) standard that is being developed by the Emergency Services Interconnection Forum (ESIF) of the Association of Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS).

This technology will allow emergency dispatch centers to receive 9-1-1 calls using the SIP protocol over the Internet, replacing the CAMA phone trunks currently used. Today public safety answering points (PSAPs) receive calls through an analog or digital phone line and retrieve ALI location information through a separate modem. In the future, when all voice and data comes to the dispatch center over highly secure IP networks, the 9-1-1 call taker will have instant access to expanded data and location information.

InterAct announces $1.5 million stimulus grant program

InterAct Public Safety Systems announced a $1.5 Million Stimulus Grant Program in support of public safety agencies planning to upgrade their mission-critical software. Agencies which apply for the program can secure up to $1.5 million in matching funds for computer aided dispatch, geographic information systems, mobile law enforcement software, and criminal information systems from InterAct Public Safety Systems.

Grant funds are open to any national, regional, state, or local public and private entity, including for-profit and nonprofit organizations, faith-based and community organizations, institutions of higher education, tribal jurisdictions, and units of local government that support initiatives to improve the functioning of the public safety system.

CLARIFICATION: In the Jan/Feb 2010 issue on page 38, the International Column stated: “EADS Defence & Security has announced it has been selected by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Ontario to roll out its CORP25 digital radio communications network, the first P25 radio network in Canada.” To clarify, it is EADS’s first P25 radio network in Canada that can support up to seven subscriber terminals.